EP 101 - The vendor table
Hi everyone! This week on Summer School, I’m joined by the team behind The Vendor Table podcast - wedding photographers Michael Cassara and Lauren O’Brien. With years of experience and hundreds of weddings between them, Michael and Lauren know the industry inside and out.
Together, they’ve built The Vendor Table into a go-to space for honest conversations, pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to work in weddings. In our chat, we talk about their journeys as photographers, why they decided to start the podcast, and how they’re using their voices to bring more connection, authenticity, and perspective to both couples and vendors alike.
Meet Michael and Lauren:
Mike Cassara & Lauren O’Brien are award-winning wedding photographers based in Long Island, New York. With acombined 20+ years of experience and over 800 weddings captured, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the industry.
In January 2023, they launched "The Vendor Table" Podcast, a show that highlights the chaos, thrill, and humor of being full-time wedding photographers. Their goal is to share their
experiences, provide tips and tricks for aspiring photographers and wedding vendors, as well as offer valuable advice to couples planning their weddings.
Since its premiere in March 2023, they have recorded 120 full-length episodes and released 300+ Reels/TikTok videos. Their influence in the industry has also led them to be Summit
Speakers at the WPPI 2025 Conference, where they shared their expertise with fellow photographers and creatives.
With a combined 185,000+ followers on Instagram and TikTok, their content continues to engage and inspire a growing community of wedding professionals and engaged couples alike.
A Friendship Turned Partnership
What started as casual conversations at vendor tables quickly turned into a podcast idea. They realized those real, off-the-cuff chats vendors have with each other were the exact kinds of conversations missing in the wedding world. Now, The Vendor Table brings that same energy to anyone who listens.
Keeping It Real
We get into everything from how their podcast started, to viral moments and navigating hot takes in the wedding industry. Lauren and Mike aren’t afraid to share their opinions - whether it’s about wild proposals, over-the-top trends, or the pressure to follow certain marketing schemes. Their take? Stay honest, stay humble, and don’t be afraid to have your own voice.
Creativity + Photography
We also talk about the importance of creating just for yourself. Mike shares how a styled shoot helped him fall back in love with photography, and Lauren talks about the joy of personal projects that remind her why she started in the first place. It’s a great reminder that stepping outside of client work to create something purely for yourself keeps the passion alive.
Advice for Photographers
For those just getting started, Lauren and Mike share advice that’s all about curiosity and innovation. Try new ideas. Pick up gear that excites you. Chase the kind of work that lights you up - because that’s what will set you apart in such a crowded industry.
Tune In
If you haven’t already, go check out The Vendor Table. You can find them on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok - new episodes drop every Tuesday. Whether you’re a wedding vendor looking for connection or just curious about what really happens behind the scenes, their podcast is so fun and honest.
Connect with The Vendor Table:
Website: www.thevendortable.com | www.michaelcassara.me | www.laurenobrianphoto.com
All platforms: @thevendortablepod | @michaelcassaraphoto | @laurenobrienphoto
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